The practice of dentistry aims to guarantee hygiene and full oral health, however, this noble activity implies the generation of waste, which must be properly treated in order to minimize negative impacts on the environment and society. Many of the materials used in dentistry are potentially harmful to the environment if their disposal is not performed correctly. Because of this, it is essential to raise the awareness of dentists about the recommended management and disposal, with a view to mitigating, if not annulling, the harmful effects on the environment and the population. Inadequate disposal of dental waste results in pollution of the soil and water, with immeasurable consequences. In view of the enormous risk posed by the inadequate disposal of dental waste, it is necessary to determine which measures should be taken with a view to minimizing such risks as well as which bodies are competent to set guidelines and regulate the subject. Primordial is the awareness of the dentist, who is responsible for handling the compounds directly and discarding their waste. Equally important are regulation and oversight, which can be performed concurrently by different spheres of government. At federal level, Anvisa has legal competence to deal with the matter, including penalties for inappropriate conduct. However, given the shortage of personnel, federal supervision is not always carried out satisfactorily, which is why a greater participation of municipal administrations is fundamental in this process. The present study consisted of a survey carried out with 84 dentists in the city of Guaratinguetá-SP, whose main objective was to verify the destination that was being given to dental developers and dental fixatives, and, in the alternative, also to be aware of the ecological awareness of the participants. At the end of the research, it was identified that the great majority of dental surgeons promoted the disposal of waste in an incorrect manner, by discarding the sewage network (73.81%) and the environment (8.33%). It was also verified that 82.14% of the participants did not have in their academic formation any discipline that covered the discard theme of dental developers and fixators and 92,86% never attended a lecture or congress that dealt with the theme. Regarding the chemical composition of developers and fixatives, 78.31% of interviewees had no such knowledge. It is concluded that only a small number of professionals proceed correctly regarding the disposal of chemical residues, showing timely inclusion of content in the curriculum of the Dentistry courses.